Government-built structures go unused

BY TILACHAN PANDEY,Tamghs (Gulmi), Mar. 19: Structures built with investment from the Lumbini Provincial Government in Gulmi District have remained unused for a long time, while concerned authorities have shown little initiative to bring them into operation. 

Although officials have repeatedly claimed that the structures would be put into use, there has been little visible progress. As a result, the provincial government’s investment has effectively gone to waste.

A 3D Park constructed in the district headquarters, Tamghas, with a 50-50 partnership between Resunga Municipality and the provincial government at a cost of Rs. 5.5 million, remains unused. 

Despite the municipality spending over Rs. 1 million on repairs over time, the park appears neglected. Even prominent figures in the district who pass by the site daily have largely ignored its condition.

Some locals have argued that since the park, built in front of the District Administration Office, replacing the former Lakuri stage, it should be restored and operated in its original form as a Lakuri stage.

Similarly, a selfie tower constructed in the religious and tourist area of Arjun at a cost of Rs. 1.58 million, with Rs. 1.44 million from the Ministry of Industry, Forest and Environment under the provincial government and Rs. 144,000 from a users’ committee—also remains unused. 

A treehouse built in Unaychaur of Tamghas at a cost of Rs. 1,338,911 is in a similar condition. The structure was inaugurated with much fanfare in 2019 by then Minister for Industry, Forest and Tourism Leela Giri, but has since remained idle.

Locals said that such structures were built without long-term planning, often driven by power dynamics and short-term popularity, and authorities have failed to take responsibility for their operation.

Ward Chairman of Ward No. 7 of Resunga Municipality and municipal spokesperson Ramji Panthi said the rural municipality had given priority to bringing such unused structures into operation. 

He claimed that arrangements would be made through the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to ensure that the 3D Park and the treehouse are brought into use. 

However, he said that it might take more time to make the selfie tower operational. The rural municipality also stated that it has requested financial support from the provincial government to manage and operate these structures.